Polymer Encapsulated Carbon Nanotubes

John Bolin

Encapsulating carbon nanotubes with polymer as an alternative approach can be used to realise the surface modification. 4,5 A novel ultrasonically initiated in situ emulsion polymerisation approach was used to modify multiwalled carbon nanotubes MWCNTs) followed by their dispersion in a Nylon 6 matrix.6 Thickness of the prepared polymer encapsulated MWCNTs was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Dispersion of the MWCNTs in the resin and interfacial adhesion was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy and testing mechanical properties. Heshing et al7 reported that pH value, the type of monomers, the type, content and surface properties of noparticles, and the type and concentration of surfactant significantly influence the ultrasonic induced encapsulating emulsion polymerisation and the resulting polymer stability. The focus of this project was to investigate the effect of the type of monomer and pH on the stable film encapsulated MWCNTs. SANS was used to investigate the surfactant-mediated growth of polymeric films at the solid-solution interface of carbon nanotubes. Conformation and the film thickness was studied using contrast variation methods (first part). Interface and the uniform dispersity of the encapsulated MWCNTs in the polymer matrices can be also probed by SANS.

Blessing of the Omnissiah

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